James Harden's Landing Spot in Free Agency Predicted by NBA Exec amid Cavs Contract Rumors

James Harden may be more than a rental player for the Cleveland Cavaliers after they acquired him from the Los Angeles Clippers this season.

ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst reported Tuesday "the heavy implication" was the future Hall of Famer and the Cavaliers "had a mutual interest in working out a new contract arrangement" after he did not block the trade in February. That is notable since he has a $42.3 million team option for the 2026-27 campaign with just $13 million of it guaranteed.

A new multiyear deal with a lower annual salary but more guaranteed money could be beneficial for both sides since the Cavaliers are a second-apron team, which one Eastern Conference executive predicted will happen.

"[That is the] best path to get under the apron without materially salary dumping," the executive said. "The Cavs will pay him more than he could get in free agency. They'll probably work something out."

Bontemps and Windhorst reported the relationship between Harden and Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson is "strong," which could also impact the team's decision this offseason.

Harden Lob to Mobley 🧨

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There is no questioning Harden's overall resume, which features a league MVP, three scoring titles, eight All-NBA selections, a Sixth Man of the Year award, two assist titles and 11 All-Star selections.

Yet he will also be 37 years old next season and is still chasing his first championship ring with some inconsistency throughout his playoff career.

Some teams might at least hesitate to give someone a multiyear deal at that point, but the presence of Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley means Harden does not have to carry the team in Cleveland. He also played well following the trade and averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game while shooting 46.6 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from deep.

That shooting in particular stands out, as he figures to continue getting open looks playing alongside Mitchell during a multiyear deal with Cleveland if that is how the situation unfolds.

For now, the pair is pursuing a championship and will start the Cavaliers' second-round series against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday.